The Hidden Key: A Steve Stilwell Thriller

Set in 2004, Grogan’s melodramatic third Steve Stillwell thriller (after Sapphire Pavilion) takes the Virginia attorney to London, his travel expenses paid by Arul Ashirvadam, an international real estate tycoon. Arul wants to hire Steve to be the executor of his estate in the U.S. At the restaurant where they meet, Arul says he has wired Steve $500,000 as a retainer. But before Steve can learn about his new client’s family, the man says, “I’ve sold my soul. Now I must pay.” He proceeds to pull out a pistol and shoot himself in the head. Back in Virginia, probating Arul’s will leads Steve to an ancient Iraqi artifact and a map to the Garden of Eden. His office is broken into, and the artifact is stolen. Steve’s effort to carry out his late client’s wishes turns into a quest to recover the artifact and catch the mastermind behind its theft. Steve travels to Italy and his law partner to India, where they encounter clichéd villains who kill a lot of people. The copious bloodshed, including the knifing of a dog, will put off some readers. Fans of religious thrillers may be intrigued. [em]Agent: Steve Hutson, Wordwise Media Services. (Apr.) [/em]